Curly care 101

1) Introduction to Curly Care

Curls are beautifully unique—but they need targeted care to shine. This guide covers natural curls and 100% human hair curly extensions & wigs, with practical routines and pro tips to help you achieve defined, hydrated, frizz-controlled results.

Why curl-specific care matters: Curly strands are naturally drier and more fragile. A curl-focused routine protects your pattern, boosts definition, and extends longevity—especially for human hair curly extensions and wigs.

2) Know Your Curls

Curl Types & Patterns

• Wavy (2A–2C): light S-waves; loves lightweight leave-in + soft gels.

• Curly (3A–3C): defined S-curls; thrives on balanced moisture + medium hold.

• Coily/Kinky (4A–4C): tight coils; craves rich hydration, creams, and gentle handling.

Porosity & Density Basics

• Porosity (how hair absorbs/retains moisture):

  • Low: tight cuticle → use warm water, lighter formulas.

  • Medium: balanced → most routines work well.

  • High: raised cuticle → richer creams, seal with light oil on ends.

• Density: sparse / medium / dense—guides how much product and sectioning you need.

Scalp Health Checkpoints

Clean, balanced scalp = better curl definition. Watch for buildup, itch, or tightness. Use gentle exfoliating scalp tonics as needed.

3) Core Curly Routine

Cleansing (Sulfate-Free vs Co-Wash)

• Sulfate-free shampoo weekly or biweekly to reset without stripping.

• Co-wash (conditioner wash) between shampoos for extra moisture and less frizz.

• Clarify every 4–6 weeks if you use heavy stylers or hard water.

Conditioning & Deep Conditioning

• After each cleanse: conditioner with slip; detangle gently.

• Deep condition every 1–2 weeks (protein/moisture per hair’s needs).

• Focus on mid-lengths to ends; avoid scalp for extensions/wigs.

Detangling (Tools & Technique)

• Detangle wet, saturated with conditioner.

• Start ends → roots with fingers or a wide-tooth comb / detangling brush.

• Work in small sections; patience beats breakage.

Moisture–Protein Balance

• Signs you need moisture: dullness, rough feel, frizz.

• Signs you need protein: limp curls, over-soft, poor hold.

• Alternate masks to maintain spring and strength.

Define & Hold (LCO/LOC, Gels & Creams)

• On soaking-wet hair: leave-in → curl cream → gel (or gel → foam for lightweight hold).

• Scrunch upward to encourage clumps; add water to re-wet if product drags.

• Form a gel cast, then scrunch out the crunch once dry for soft definition.

Drying Methods

• Plop in a microfiber towel 10–20 min (no rubbing).

• Diffuse on low heat/low speed, hovering or cupping.

• Air dry if time allows; avoid touching until 100% dry.

Daily Refresh

• Lightly mist with water/refresh spray.

• Smooth a pea-size amount of leave-in/foam over frizzy areas.

• Spot-coil or finger-coil to revive definition.

4) Products & Tools That Work

Ingredients to Seek

• Humectants (glycerin* context-dependent*, panthenol)

• Emollients (aloe, shea, mango butter)

• Proteins (silk, wheat, keratin) for strength

Ingredients to Use Carefully/Avoid

• High-sulfate detergents (can strip curls)

• Heavy silicones (can cause buildup—clarify periodically if used)

• Drying alcohols (frizz, brittleness)

Tools

• Microfiber towel / cotton T-shirt, wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, diffuser, silk bonnet/pillowcase.

5) Protect & Maintain

Night Routine

• Pineapple (high loose pony) + silk bonnet or silk pillowcase.

• For short curls, a silk scarf to protect edges.

Gym & Swim Care

• Pre-sweat: light leave-in to buffer sweat salts.

• Post-sweat: scalp rinse or refresh mist.

• Pool/ocean: pre-soak with fresh water + leave-in; rinse ASAP after; use chelating wash when needed.

Weather & Frizz Strategy

• High humidity: anti-humidity gel/serum; stronger hold.

• Dry climate: richer creams, seal ends lightly.

Color-Treated Curls

• Add bond-building masks weekly; lower heat; UV protection.